Cost of living in El Cajon
El Cajon, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and proximity to San Diego. Understanding the cost of living in El Cajon is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19.5 on average, with a range between $12 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $32 to $80.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14, with a range between $11 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $20, imported beer $6 to $11, cappuccino $3.25 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.42 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.02.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $6.54, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $0.99 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $11.02 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.75 and $2.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.05 to $3.73 per km and $28 to $70 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $2700, averaging $2400.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1750 to $2200, averaging $1975.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2300 to $3500, averaging $2900.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $5000, averaging $4000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $200, averaging $150.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $70.5.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
El Cajon offers a moderate cost of living with relatively high housing costs, especially for larger apartments. Dining and grocery prices are comparable to other Californian cities.
Transportation is affordable, with reasonable public transport and fuel prices. Utilities and internet costs are also moderate, making it manageable for most residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, El Cajon presents a balanced cost of living with some areas of higher expense, particularly in housing. However, the city compensates with affordable transportation and moderate utility costs.
For those considering a move to El Cajon, it's important to budget carefully for housing while taking advantage of the city's reasonable dining and transportation options.